"Downton Abbey" fans in Coeur d'Alene will have a chance to see the season 5 premiere weeks before it airs on Idaho Public Television.

To get viewers ready for more tales from the Crawley family's English country estate, IdahoPTV is hosting a series of advance premiere screenings throughout Idaho.

The North Idaho screening will take place Dec. 14 from 5-8 p.m. at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, hosted in part by IdahoPTV North Idaho Friends Board.

It will be the first time the 67-minute first episode of the show's fifth season is screened in Idaho. A similar screening a year ago in Coeur d'Alene was well-attended.

"Last year, what surprised us was that almost everybody dressed up," said Michelle Britton, a Friends Board member who lives in Coeur d'Alene.

Period costumes are encouraged, but not required.

Guests will gather at 5 p.m. for hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar, with a costume contest at 6 p.m. The screening of the first episode of the new season will begin at 7 p.m.

Britton said Friends Board members are excited that the screening is being held at The Resort during the holiday season.

"It's a beautiful time," she said.

Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy's string ensemble will perform during the event.

The fifth season of "Downton Abbey" will begin airing on IdahoPTV on Jan. 4. The show has become the most-watched drama in Public Broadcasting Service history.

The series follows the Crawleys - the landed gentry of Downton - and the servants who work for them.

"It's a compelling story line that takes place during a very interesting time in history - industrialization, mass food production, cultural changes and changing views of women," Britton said. "It's about a family and generations of a family."

The premiere screening event on Dec. 14 at The Resort is for members of the Friends of Idaho Public Television, whether current or brand-new members. A membership pledge of $40 or more will include two tickets to the event.

"Idaho has its own public television station, and we want to make sure people are aware we're here," Britton said. "We think we have some exceptional local programming."

To pledge for tickets to the screening visit idahoptv.org or call Idaho Public Television member services for information: 1-800-543-6868.